Dahlias are half hardy, so keep them protected from frost. Pot tubers individually between February and April and grow them on in a greenhouse or bright indoor position. Alternatively, start them outside in May, once the risk of frost has passed.
'Que Sera'
Dahlia 'Que Sera' is one of those varieties that seems to catch the light differently every time you pass it. Falling into the anemone-flowered, powder puff category, its blooms are delightfully tactile, with a ruffled, feathered centre framed by crisp outer petals. Each flower of Dahlia 'Que Sera' is bi-coloured in the most painterly way, combining soft white with confident purple edging, as though each petal has been carefully dipped by hand. The effect is playful yet poised, making Dahlia 'Que Sera' a natural choice for gardeners who enjoy something a little more expressive without straying into excess.
Growing to around 1.2 metres, Dahlia 'Que Sera' brings welcome height and movement to borders, beds and generous containers, flowering reliably from early summer through to October. The blooms are excellent for cutting, holding their form beautifully in vase arrangements where their unusual structure can be fully appreciated. Dahlia 'Que Sera' thrives in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil, rewarding a little care with weeks of colour. Supplied as top-size tubers, Dahlia 'Que Sera' settles in quickly and performs generously, making it a dependable favourite for both seasoned dahlia enthusiasts and those just beginning their love affair with these endlessly varied plants.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
For planting out later, use a snug-fitting 15–20cm pot filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. For a patio display, plant directly into a container at least 30cm wide and keep it somewhere bright and frost free until it can move outdoors.
Position the old stem facing upwards, with the tubers covered and the stem stump level with the compost. Tubers naturally vary in size and shape and may arrive without visible buds. Bent necks are usually fine if they remain firmly attached, so do not remove them.
Water after planting, then allow the compost to become almost dry before watering again while the tuber remains dormant. Once shoots and leaves are growing strongly, water more regularly, always allowing excess water to drain away.
Plant out after the last frost, once the plant is around 20–30cm tall and its roots hold the compost together. Space dahlias approximately 30–50cm apart in borders, allowing less room for compact varieties. Water thoroughly after planting.
Water regularly during active growth and deadhead or cut flowers often. Dahlias usually bloom from July or August until the first frost, although later-planted tubers may start in late August or September. In autumn, lift, clean and dry the tubers, then store them somewhere cool, dry, airy and frost free.
- Botanical name
- Dahlia 'Que Sera'
- Flower colour
- White, purple
- Tuber size
- 1
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 5 tubers per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Coastal gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.